Hippie Stomper
Imitates: Generic foam attractor — beetle, small hopper, stonefly adult
Quick Reference
- Best Sizes
- #10-14
- Best Season
- Summer (June through September)
- Best Conditions
- Western pocket water, freestone rivers, dry-dropper rigs
- Water Temp
- 55-70°F
- Recommended Tippet
- 3X-4X
How to Rig It
Single dry or — more commonly — as the indicator in a dry-dropper rig with a beadhead nymph 18-30" below it.
How to Present It
Slap it onto seams and pocket water. The foam body floats forever, the rubber legs wiggle, and the white wing post is visible in any light.
Why It Works
Multi-color foam stack creates a buggy silhouette that suggests several food types at once. The white wing acts as an indicator for both the angler and the trout. Bombproof flotation handles a heavy dropper.
History
Andrew Grillos designed the Hippie Stomper in Colorado in the 2010s. It became the go-to dry-dropper indicator across the Rocky Mountain West because it floats anything you hang under it.
Pro Tip
Hang a #16 Frenchie or Pheasant Tail 24 inches under a #12 Hippie Stomper. This combo catches more fish in summer pocket water than any other rig in the West.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Hippie Stomper imitate?+
A generic foam attractor — could be a beetle, small hopper, or adult stonefly. Trout eat it because it looks buggy and sits high on the water.
What size Hippie Stomper for dry-dropper?+
#12 is the most popular for hanging weighted nymphs. Drop to #14 in technical water; bump to #10 for big droppers.
What's the best color Hippie Stomper?+
Purple/black is the universal best-seller. Red, yellow, and tan all produce in different conditions.
Not sure if Hippie Stomper is right today?
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